With Hanako's hand firmly clasped in her own, the (real) shrine maiden cheerfully led her towards a lovely little shop that sold some high-quality treats. The poor girl was probably reeling with embarrassment, but that was fine. It enhanced Hanako's already-considerable cuteness to truly divine heights! They drew some attention as they walked, with Himeko saying a few words of greeting to more recognisable faces, moving on before they could enquire too far about why Himeko was travelling with a small girl dressed like a shrine maiden as well.

Her attention was drawn by a loud, young voice nearby, and couldn't help but snicker at the exchange. Two young girls, not long finished with school from the looks of them, seemed to be having some sort of discussion about their diet. She was surprised when both those girls saw Hanako and herself and approached, evidently recognising her small companion.

"...Friends from class?" the maiden teasingly asked Hanako with a smirk, then leaned down slightly to speak with the two girls, "...school project, huh? I take it you want to ask me a few questions, then?"
She doubted a few questions would take too much time. Worst-case scenario, they could walk back to the shrine together. Not that Himeko minded sticking around to help the girls with whatever they needed her for, but the longer they stayed out in public, the more likely it seemed Hanako would implode from embarrassment. Himeko had made [i]careful and precise calculations[/i] about the exposure her new roommate could endure, after all!

[@VitaVitaAR][@Raineh Daze]